404 DOMESTIC ANIMALS, DAIRYING, ETC. 



from a sheep of good quality than it is from one of inferior quality. 

 Lightness rather than heaviness of pelt is desired in fat sheep. By 

 pelt is meant the skin and wool combined. To secure a pelt of light 

 weight the skin should be thin and free from folds and wrinkles, 

 and the wool should be abundant but not too oily. Quality is usu- 

 ally associated with style and breeding and is an evidence of refine- 

 ment as opposed to coarseness and grossness, which in turn are ob- 

 jectionable because they represent a high degree of waste. Quality 

 is very essential to the best mutton type, as indicated by the fact 

 that it is given 10 per cent, on the score card. 



Since the quality of the flesh and skin can only be determined 

 by touch, it should be kept in mind at the same time the animal is 

 being examined for form and condition. General quality which is 

 indicated by the features of the head, the fineness of the hair and 

 the density of the bone is determined by the eye. Coarseness, gross- 

 ness, and sluggishness which are indicated by a heavy rough head, 

 covered by coarse, harsh hair, and large, coarse ears; a thick, wrin- 

 kly skin covered with coarse wool; a large, open frame and heavy 

 bone and rough joints, standing on long, crooked legs, and fin un- 

 even distribution of flesh, detract from the appearance and quality 

 of the individual and should be discriminated against because they 

 add to the waste or offal and materially detract from the value of the 

 animal. The factors which determine the quantity of the wool are 

 length and density, and the evenness in both over all parts of the 

 body. 



Length. This is an important feature both from the commer- 

 cial point of view and from the shepherd's standpoint. The manu- 

 facturer of woollen goods desires a short-stapled wool, for such has 

 better felting qualities. On the other hand the manufacturer of 

 worsted goods, desires length of staple because it gives a yarn of 

 strong, even texture. Other things being equal, a long staple, will 

 afford more protection to the sheep. By density is meant closeness 

 of the fiber, or the number of fibers that grow on a square inch. A 

 heavy fleece is secured by density and such a fleece affords greater 

 protection to the sheep. Quantity is further increased by the fleece 

 being of uniform length and density all over the 'body, avoiding un- 

 even and bare points. 



Quality. The fleece should be fine, pure and soft, with a close, 

 regular crimp, and should be of uniform quality all over. Quality 

 and quantity are not usually found together in their highest state 

 of development in the same types or breeds and the shorter fleeces 

 are usually those that show the most quality. In order that high 

 grade goods may be manufactured from wools, the fibers must be 

 soft and fine and of uniform texture. By the crimp is meant the 

 wave in the fiber. The crimp should be regular and close together, 

 the finer quality fleeces usually having the closest crimp. 



Condition. By condition is meant the brightness of the fleece, 

 and its healthy appearance. It should be clear, soft and Mght, being 

 free from harshness and foreign matter such as dirt, burrs, and hairy 

 fibers. The amount and character of the yolk, grease, or oil deter- 



